The Homemade Runner

It's been a year since I started sewing again and in that year, I've started testing for a bunch of different companies. Usually, I only try to test one pattern a month because pattern testing eats a lot of fabric and time. (Don't get me wrong, I love it, but I want to be open and honest.)

My plans for December were to do one pattern test and then complete the evergrowing pile of Christmas gifts I needed to finish. So, imagine my surprise when Jessica of Lil Luxe Collection tagged me in their testing group asking if I (or any of the other 2XL testers they have used before) could step in and test the new women's version of their Hideaway Hoodie.

I'm going to be honest: I initially ignored the ask. I had three other projects that had to be finished and shipped by last Thursday to make it to Tennessee in time for Christmas. But then, all of the other testers declined and I finished my other projects to a point where I knew I had the availability to test for Lil Luxe again.

Now that I've tested the hoodie, I can't believe I ever considered not doing it. I love this sweatshirt. I've been jonesing for a new post-workout seatshirt and this totally fit the bill. I made it with a French terry I got for $1/yard during Girl Charlee's Black Friday sale and an Art Gallery knit I won for free in a contest in March. Basically, the whole thing cost me $3.

From the outside, the construction looks difficult, but once you start sewing it, it's actually quite easy. The key to making the pockets look perfect is to topstitch the seam allowance to the outside of the pocket. If you follow the instructions given in the pattern, you'll have a super comfy hoodie in no time!

Plus, because the bodice can be sewn three pieces, the options for paneling and colorblocking are pretty much endless. You can do a solid color fo the bodice and sleeves, add a peek of color in the cuffs, or use up your scrapbag and make everything different!

Let's not mince words here: I haven't done a good job of updating this blog. I've done a LOT of sewing since August, but I couldn't bring myself to write. I guess I had this feeling that whatever I would write just wouldn't be good enough.

Then, this morning, we got the news that one of my husband's aunts passed away. This aunt was the type of person I aspire to be: loved by everyone who knew her, a writer, and dedicated sewist.

She was one of the people who firmly believed I could be a writer if I wanted to, and encouraged me to write more. I guess getting the news this morning forced me to realize that I needed to stop worrying that I wasn't good enough and start trying to write.​